---
title: "Leipzig Festival of Lights 2026 | Candles' podium '89 and Contemporary Witnesses"
url: "https://lichtfest.leipziger-freiheit.de/en/festival-of-lights-programme/leipzig-festival-of-lights-2026/4-candles-podium-89-and-contemporary-witnesses"
description: "On 9ᵗʰ of October, the Leipzig Festival of Lights 2026 commemorates the autumn of 1989 with light installations and candles. The Contemporary Witnesses can be shown at Thomaskirchhof."
language: "en"
breadcrumb: "Root > Leipzig Festival of Lights > Leipzig Festival of Lights Programme > Festival of Lights 2026 > 4: Candles' podium '89 and Contemporary Witnesses"
---

Candles' podium '89 and interviews with contemporary witnesses

 

This year, the traditional candles' podium in the shape of the number 89 is located by St Thomas’ Church, at the corner of Klostergasse. Visitors can place candles on it, collectively creating an ever-growing image of light. The **Candles' podium '89** offers a quiet moment for remembrance and connection, as well as an opportunity for conversation. On a small stage beside the candle platform, presenter Nils Straatmann engages in conversation with **contemporary witnesses to history**. Topics include the question ‘stay or leave?’, which was widely debated in autumn 1989, as well as the hopes and fears of the time, the significance of the 9ᵗʰ of October then and today, and issues such as media freedom, the environment and the Church. Visitors to the Leipzig Festival of Lights are also invited to ask questions. These conversations combine personal memories with their historical context, creating a shared space for remembrance and reflection.

 

*Candles' podium '89 and interviews with contemporary witnesses* at a glance

### Thomaskirchhof/corner of Klostergasse

Location

### Candle platform and meeting space

Project type

### Contemporary witnesses, Nils Straatmann (host)

Artists

 

 

The contemporary witnesses interviews in detail
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Portrait von Nils Straatmann im blauen Hemd

The contemporary witnesses discussions are held in cooperation with Frauenkultur e. V. Leipzig, the Leipzig branch of the Polish Institute Berlin, Civil Movement Archive Leipzig, Stiftung Friedliche Revolution, St Nicholas’ Church Leipzig, Bildungswerk Sachsen der Deutschen Gesellschaft e. V., and representatives of the civil rights movement.

Host: Nils Straatmann, born in 1989, lives in Leipzig. He is a poetry slammer and author who hosts radio programmes and podcasts.

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